Bloodborne Pathogens Guide

Hepatitis B (formerly known as serum Hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a virus. The disease is fairly common; more than
2,000 cases are reported in New York State each year. More »

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (formerly known as non-A, non-B Hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a recently identified bloodborne virus. Approximately
200 cases of Hepatitis C are reported in New York State each year.

Who gets Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C occurs most often in people who have received a blood transfusion or who have shared needles.

How is the virus spread?

Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C is spread by exposure to blood from an infected person, such as through a blood
transfusion or sharing needles. The risk of sexual transmission has not been thoroughly studied, but appears to be
small. There is no evidence that the Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted by casual contact, through foods or by coughing or sneezing.

What are the symptoms?

Some people experience appetite loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, vague stomach pain and jaundice (a yellowing of the
skin and whites of the eyes).

How soon do symptoms occur?

Symptoms may occur from two weeks to six months after exposure, but usually within two months.

When and for how long is a person able to spread Hepatitis C?

Some people carry the virus in their bloodstream and may remain contagious for years. The disease may occur in the
acute form and be followed by recovery or it may become chronic and cause symptoms for years.

What is the treatment for Hepatitis C?

There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat people with the acute form of Hepatitis C, but
the FDA has approved a drug called recombinant alpha interferon for treating people with chronic Hepatitis C.

Is donated blood tested for this virus?

Since May of 1990, blood donation centers throughout the U.S. have routinely used a blood donor screening test for
Hepatitis C. Widespread use of this test has significantly reduced the number of post-transfusion Hepatitis C cases.

What are the possible consequences of Hepatitis C?

Approximately 25 percent of people infected with Hepatitis C virus will become sick with jaundice or other symptoms of
Hepatitis. 50 percent of these individuals may go on to develop chronic liver disease.

How can the spread of Hepatitis C be prevented?

People who have had Hepatitis C should remain aware that their blood and possibly other body fluids are potentially
infective. Care should be taken to avoid blood exposure to others by sharing tooth brushes, razors, needles, etc. In
addition, infected people must not donate blood and should inform their dental or medical care providers so that proper
precautions can be followed. The risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus has not been thoroughly investigated,
but appears to be minimal. Several studies suggest that spread seldom occurs from people with chronic Hepatitis C disease
to their steady sexual partners. Therefore, limitations on sexual activity with steady partners may not be needed. However,
people with acute illness and multiple sexual partners may be at greater risk and should use condoms to reduce the risk
of acquiring or transmitting Hepatitis C as well as other sexually transmitted infections.

Is there a vaccine for Hepatitis C?

At the present time, a Hepatitis C vaccine is not available.

Other Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A (formerly known as infectious Hepatitis)

Hepatitis D (delta Hepatitis)

Hepatitis E (a virus transmitted through the feces of an infected person)